9 8 
SPOTTED SANDPIPERS 
In spite of the invading sand pumps, the dusty 
procession of scavenger carts, and the drifting cans 
and kegs that make their way over the weedy water, 
Spotted Sandpipers continue to make their homes 
along the sandy barricade of the marsh* It is their 
ancient habitation, and they simply ignore the im- 
pertinence of the other bipeds who have invaded 
it in a swarming half million* There must be a 
fascination in the sand-girt marsh, for the shore- 
waders never fail to rest for a few days on their long 
journey to arctic or inland summer homes. Through- 
out the entire season vagrant Kildeer, Black-hearts, 
and Stints are coming and going* But the Spotted 
Sandpiper comes to stay and make his home. Among 
the rounded and water-washed pebbles of the shore 
he would often be invisible but for the perpetual 
tilting motion of his body* Whether feeding in the 
soft mud or posing on a sandy ridge outlined against 
the mingling and uneasy waves his restless energy 
keeps up the same untiring motion. His body seems 
to partake of the ceaseless impulse that urges the 
water, even when the air is still, to rise and fall against 
every confining margin. These birds give a touch of 
